Mashed Turnips with White Truffle Oil

Mashed Turnips with White Truffle Oil - healthy side dish for Thanksgiving dinner!

Turnips having a strong flavor, are considered by some highly complementary to meat and game. In some regions mashed turnips are traditional in Thanksgiving menus. Other prefer rutabagas with certain game.

Cream of Potato, Bacon Soup with Croutons and White Truffle Oil

This is deliciously creamy soup makes a special beginning to a holiday feast.  Serve this flavorful soup with a white truffle oil, homemade croutons, bacon - or, for special occasions, with a spoonful of caviar.



Ingredients:

• 4 bacon slices
• 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• celery chopped
• 1 lb.potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
• white truffle oil for serving
• homemade croutons for serving

Directions:
Homemade croutons are simple to prepare: Toss small cubes of day-old bread with a little extra-virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake in a 300°F oven until golden and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.

Heat a cast-iron fry pan over medium-high heat. Arrange the bacon in the pan and cook, turning once, until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.



In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until nearly translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, celery and potatoes, increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.



Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 20 minutes. Stir in the cream. Working in batches, puree the soup in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, drizzle each serving with a few drops of truffle oil and garnish with the bacon and croutons. Serve immediately.